4.74 138 Published Jun 22, 2020, Updated Jun 12, 2023 To be honest, I’ve always liked green smoothies, but never tried drinking them on a regular basis until recently. And it’s been amazing!
I’ve made a a bunch of different green smoothies over the years and I always feel awesome after drinking them. It makes sense considering leafy greens are one of the most nutritious foods you can eat. It’s one of the reasons I love incorporating one large salad a day, but putting greens in your smoothie is such an easy way to pack a lot of greens into one meal.
Benefits of Eating Dark Leafy Greens
I’m sure you’ve heard that greens are good for you, but did you know that greens are high in calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, zinc and vitamins A, C, E and K? They’re also crammed with fiber, folic acid, chlorophyll and many other micronutrients and phytochemicals. The benefits of leafy greens are amazing. Here are a few:
Blood purification Cancer prevention Improved circulation Strengthened immune system Promotion of healthy intestinal flora Promotion of subtle, light and flexible energy Lifted spirit and elimination of depression Improved liver, gall bladder and kidney function Cleared congestion, especially in lungs by reducing mucus
Getting Started with Green Smoothies
Baby spinach has a mild flavor and is a great place to start! Add a handful or two of baby spinach into your smoothies then work your way up to adding a larger amount of spinach or different greens that are a little more pungent like collards and kale. Use frozen fruit! Frozen bananas and mango add a nice sweetness, great texture and cover up the taste of the greens really well. <– Just make sure your bananas are ripe and that you peel them before freezing. I like to slice them in half (or in chunks) and put them in freezer-safe bags or storage containers before placing in the freezer. I recommend using a high-powered blender like a Vitamix. If you don’t have one you can still make green smoothies, but you’ll probably have to deal with pieces of un-blended greens. Just be sure to check your teeth. 😉 For what it’s worth, I LOVE my Vitamix. Remember that green smoothies don’t have to be green. When you include other colorful fruits (like berries) into the smoothie the color isn’t always green. I’ve been using plant-based protein powder in my smoothies. My favorite protein powder brand is sweetened with stevia and that definitely helps to make the smoothie taste delicious.
One of my favorite green smoothies to date is this one with banana and peanut butter. This combo never disappoints and it’s delicious in this smoothie! I promise you won’t taste the spinach at all. I hope this post will inspire you to try a green smoothie, if you haven’t before and if you have, perhaps it will be a friendly reminder to add a green smoothie or two back into your routine. Drink up and enjoy all the great benefits!
Love Peanut Butter? Try These Recipes Too:
Peanut Butter Protein Cookies Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Peanut Butter & Jelly Protein Bites Peanut Butter Chia Pudding Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Monster Cookies Peanut Butter Banana Pudding
More Smoothie Recipes You’ll Love:
